Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met his Austrian counterpart Heinz Fischer Monday and laid out a multi-point proposal to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, Hu spoke highly of the ties between the two countries, saying that China values its relations with Austria and is willing to join hands with Austria to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level.

Then he proposed that the two sides enhance their political relationship based on equality and mutual trust, continue with their frequent high-level contacts and steer bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.

The two countries should also expand their mutually beneficial economic and trade relations, he said, while calling for concerted efforts to fight trade protectionism and encourage mutual investment so as to achieve a balanced, diversified and sustainable trade relationship.

China is willing to import more goods from Austria and to work with Austria to seek cooperation with third countries in Central and Eastern Europe, said the Chinese president, who also asked Austria to create favorable conditions for Chinese investors in Austria.

Meanwhile, Hu urged Vienna to play a more active role in pushing for the EU's recognition of China's full market economy status and for a lift of the bloc's restrictions on high-tech exports to China.

In the culture sphere, the two sides should promote people-to-people exchanges and boost cooperation in culture, eduction and media among others, Hu said.

In addition, the two countries should also deepen cooperation in multilateral mechanisms to jointly push for a more just and fairer international political and economic order, Hu said.

China, he added, is willing to enhance cooperation and coordination with Austria on important issues such as global economic governance, climate change, energy security and peaceful settlement of international disputes.

History has proven that as long as the two sides understand and support each other, and respect each other's social systems and development models, the bilateral relationship can achieve long-term, steady and healthy development, Hu said.

Fischer, for his part, said that he fully agrees with Hu's proposal, adding that his country is willing to enhance cooperation with China in culture, science and technology and tourism and expand coordination in the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks.

The Austrian president stressed that Hu's visit is of vital significance and marks the culmination of celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Austria will play an active role in seeking the EU's recognition of China's full market economy status, Fischer said.

During their talks, the Chinese president also recalled Fischer's fruitful state visit to China early last year, and noted that China-Austria ties have deepened further despite complicated and profound changes in the international situation.

Hu also expressed the hope that his ongoing visit, the first to Austria by a Chinese head of state in 12 years, will strengthen the friendship between the two peoples and promote the all-around development of China-Austria friendship and cooperation.

China became Austria's biggest trading partner outside Europe in 2010, when their two-way trade rose to $6 billion, marking a 26-percent increase over the previous year.

Last year, about 200,000 Chinese tourists visited Austria, while some 80,000 Austrians traveled to China.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation agreements and documents. According to Chinese diplomats, the deals cover economy and trade, environmental protection, water conservation, education and culture.

Prior to the talks, Fischer hosted a grand welcoming ceremony for the Chinese president and his wife Liu Yongqing.

At midday on Monday, Hu, accompanied by Fischer, paid a visit to Austria's national library.

Hu is scheduled to meet Chancellor Werner Faymann and National Council President Barbara Prammer in the afternoon, before he travels to Salzburg to continue his visit to the Central European country.

After his stay in Austria, Hu will fly to France to attend a summit of the Group of 20 slated for November 3-4 in Cannes.

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2011)